SIP SAVOUR

words by J Brown

When it comes to wine, Spain is a treasure trove of history, diversity, and flavor From the sun-soaked vineyards of Rioja to the coastal wineries of Catalonia, Spain's wine regions have forged their mark in the global wine-making industry In this journey, we'll explore some of the most renowned Spanish vineyards and the exceptional varieties that have captivated the palates of wine enthusiasts worldwide

La Rioja: A Legacy of Excellence

Nestled in the north of Spain, La Rioja is perhaps the country's most iconic wine region With a history spanning centuries, this region produces some of Spains most celebrated wines When you visit, be sure to explore: Bodegas Marqués de Riscal: This historic vineyard, founded in 1858, is an architectural masterpiece with its avant-garde design by Frank Gehry Marqués de Riscal offers a tour through its modern facilities and a taste of their iconic Rioja Reserva

Penedès: Catalonia's Sparkling Gem

Just a stone's throw from Barcelona, Penedès is Catalonia's wine country This region is famed not only for its still wines but also for its sparkling treasures

Discover:

Freixenet: Known for its exquisite cavas (Spanish sparkling wine), Freixenet is a must-visit A tour here includes a journey into the heart of the cava-making process and a tasting of their renowned sparkling wines

Varieties to Try: Penedès specializes in Cava, which is made using traditional methods, similar to Champagne The most commonly used grapes are Macabeo, Xarel lo, and Parellada

Ribera del Duero: A Red Wine Haven

Situated in the heart of Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero is synonymous with robust red wines The vineyards in this region are not just a testament to the winemaking tradition but also to the enduring bond between vines and a landscape that can be harsh yet breathtakingly beautiful Don't miss:

Bodegas Vega Sicilia: Often considered Spain's most prestigious winery, Vega Sicilia crafts iconic wines such as Único and Valbuena A visit here offers an intimate look at their meticulous winemaking process

Varieties to Try: Tempranillo reigns supreme in Ribera del Duero, producing intense, fullbodied red wines with deep flavors and aging potential

Priorat: A Story of Resurgence

Tucked away in Catalonia, Priorat is a region with a fascinating history of revival Once nearly abandoned, it's now recognized for its world-class wines

Explore:

Clos Mogador: Renowned winemaker René Barbiers Clos Mogador is a testament to the region's resurgence A tour here provides insights into organic viticulture and a tasting of their highly-praised wines

Varieties to Try: The star grape of Priorat is Garnacha (Grenache), often blended with Carignan and other varietals These wines are bold, with ripe fruit flavors and a distinctive mineral character

Sherry Country: Jerez

In the southwestern corner of Spain, Jerez de la Frontera is the home of Sherry wine This fortified wine has a long history and unique production process

Discover:

Bodegas Tio Pepe: A visit to Tio Pepe offers an immersion into the world of Sherry Witness the traditional solera aging process and savor a range of Sherries, from crisp Fino to rich Oloroso

Varieties to Try:

Sherry offers a variety of styles, from the dry and pale Fino to the rich and sweet Pedro Ximénez Each has its own unique flavor profile

Rías Baixas: Albariño's Abode

On the lush, green coast of Galicia lies Rías Baixas, a region known for its crisp and aromatic white wines, primarily made from the Albariño grape

Explore:

Bodegas Martin Codax: This winery not only produces excellent Albariño wines but also offers panoramic views of the region's idyllic landscapes A visit here includes a tasting of their signature wines

Varieties to Try: Albariño is the star here, known for its zesty acidity, citrusy notes, and hints of white flowers It's a perfect pairing for seafood

Montsant: A Hidden Gem

Nestled around the famous Priorat region, Montsant often flies under the radar but offers fantastic wines at a more accessible price point

Visit:

Celler de Capçanes: This cooperative winery produces remarkable wines, including Garnachabased reds and kosher wines A tour here provides insights into Montsant's unique terroir Varieties to Try: Montsant's red wines are typically Garnacha-based, resulting in bold, fruit-forward wines with a touch of spice and minerality

Bierzo: Mencía Magic

In the green hills of northwestern Spain, Bierzo is an emerging star known for its Mencía grape

Explore:

Descendientes de J Palacios: This winery crafts exceptional Mencía wines, including the iconic Pétalos A visit offers a glimpse into their biodynamic winemaking practices page 24

Varieties to Try:

Mencía wines from Bierzo are medium-bodied, with bright red fruit flavors and floral notes, making them approachable yet complex

Spain's wine regions are a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts From the elegant reds of La Rioja to the sparkling cavas of Penedès and the robust Garnachas of Priorat, there's a wine for every palate Plan your visit to coincide with the grape harvest (usually in September or October) for a unique and immersive experience Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a budding enthusiast, Spains vine

Local Expertise: Seek advice from local experts, whether it's a winemaker, sommelier, or knowledgeable local They can provide insights and recommendations that enhance your wine-tasting experience

Wine Tours: Many vineyards offer guided tours that delve into their winemaking processes Take advantage of these tours to learn more about the wines you're tasting

Designated Driver or Transportation: If you plan to visit multiple wineries in a day, arrange for a designated driver or use a local wine tour company to ensure safe transportation

Food Pairings: Spanish wines are incredibly foodfriendly Pair local cheeses, cured meats, and tapas with your wine tastings for a complete culinary experience